SPRINGFIELD- Vital legislation to raise awareness on Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) was signed into law today.

PANDAS is characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms associated with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tourette’s Syndrome and other tics after a child has had a strep infection. Symptoms range from severe separation anxiety to motor tics that appear similar to seizures and hallucinations. The symptoms are severe enough to prevent children from attending school.

To raise awareness and educate medical professionals, State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) passed a measure to create an advisory council to make recommendations to the Illinois Department of Public Health on awareness and education among doctors, school-based health centers and mental health providers.

“No one wants to see young children suffer. There is an immediate need to educate medical professionals and the general public on the PANDAS symptoms,” said Cullerton. “The faster we diagnose children affected by PANDAS, the more quickly we can begin treatment.”

Kate Drury’s son Charlie woke up on his eight birthday with unusual symptoms. Her son who loved participating in talent shows and putting on skits was now scared of performing in front of crowds and talking to his friends. There was an immediate change in his personality.

The next two months of Charlie’s life were the hardest time for his family. He instantly displayed symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Charlie didn’t want to be touched or hugged. He feared his food and was deathly afraid of water to the point where he couldn’t shower or brush his teeth. When triggered, Charlie would go into fits of rage. He suffered from hallucinations to the extent he was unable to recognize his mother or father.

Drury was faced with a difficult situation, either being forced to institutionalize her son or place her other two children in the care of a loved one. After two months of looking for answers, a doctor diagnosed Charlie with PANDAS.

Drury and other mothers formed the PANDAS/PANS Advocacy group and came to Cullerton to raise awareness and prevent other families from going through similar situations.

Based on the advisory council’s recommendations further legislation may be introduced.

“We will continue to work together to find ways to advance early detection and prevent families like Charlie’s from living months without answers,” said Cullerton.

PANDAS is potentially a lifelong disease that is estimated to affect nearly 175,000 children and adolescents in Illinois. It has even been found in adults.

Senate Bill 1684 was signed into law on Friday, August 7, 2015 and goes into effect immediately.

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